Monday, October 31, 2011

I'm excited to be a part of The Broken Destiny Revealed Blog Tour. Today I have a Character Interview and Giveaway for you!

Character Interview with Ava

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Hi Ava! Thanks for talking with me today.

Thank you for having me

Q. Can you tell me a little bit about where you’re from?

Well my kind (The Broken) to put it technically, we're from a lab , back on planet Earth. We have no memory of our home planet, or our biological mothers, and no idea if any of us have the same father or not. Our first memories is from Planet Poseidon at around age 5 or 6.

Q. Describe yourself in 3 words.Feel too much.

Q. What song or band always puts a smile on your face?

*smiles* at the moment, Florance and the Machine.

Q. Do you have any interesting or unusual hobbies or talents?I am a mind-shifter, that is my talent and curse because I cannot always know what powers my mind will create. Hobbies. I have abandoned all hobbies to persue my destiny.Q. Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far? How so?* smiles* I would have to say Troy. He has saved me from myself *looks down at hands* , he has brought me to life, but Troy will tell me that Im wrong and its all been - Me. Everything that has unfolded has some how been created by me.

Q. If you could go anywhere or to anytime, where would you go? Why?I'd go to earth, I want to see a blue sky. I want that freedom, that peace.Q. Any special guys in your life lately *wink wink*? You can tell me, it’ll be just between us girls ;)

LOL Troy, (happy sigh) Troy . *starts to daydream*

Q. Can you tell me a little bit about what it means to be one of The Broken?

To be one of the broken could mean anything at this stage . Our genetic makeup is a unique recipe that unfolds, mutates and or dilutes with each generation. They call us The Broken because of our previous generations outcome. The perfect genetic recipe is broken, thats all I can tell you right now.

Q. What is your deepest fear and your most precious wish/dream?

My deepest fear. I have lived it already. I cannot control what I deny myself. My most precious wish. To love and believe in myself. To be satisfied , to be happy, to let go of the past.

Thank you so much for coming all the way to Planet Poseidon to visit us, I hope you enjoy your stay on The purple planet. Do you like to swim? *grins* I know of a magical place I can take you. And I have to introduce you to the crew, they'll love you, I hope you dont have a boyfriend. *grins* Im getting ahead of myself again. Sorry .

You can connect with and learn more about author Carlyle Labuschagne here:

MY REVIEW: This series just keeps getting better and better with each book! And Book 3, Beginning’s End, may just be my favorite book of the series so far. Dooling continues to expand her fantastical world and captivate readers with her thrilling story, compelling characters, and superb writing.

SUMMARY

Beginning’s End picks up right where Book 2 left off, as we find the impending battle against the Emperor getting closer and closer. The 5 Protectors attend a royal ball, contend with complicated romances; heartache; fears; and each other, and continue to protect their new home. As the final battle with the Emperor draws closer, the 5 girls must learn to harness their powers and understand what it truly means to be a protector.

Beginning’s End has a nice balance of action, romance, humor, and heart. Dooling’s original and imaginative story continues to impress and enthrall me, while her characters continue to become, almost, like bosom friends that I genuinely miss when each book ends. Book 3 had me laughing, crying, itching for my own fight, and completely engrossed in the world of Orcatia and the Protectors.

THE STORY

The story in Beginning’s End moves quickly, but encompasses so much. I really love how the royal ball and romantic aspects offer a nice reprieve from all the action, fighting, and training. Book 3 felt like the most emotional book so far in the series and I love how character driven this book is.

The first part of the book is all about the ball… and can I say just how much I loved reading about this ball?! I totally love that Dooling doesn’t just jump directly to the ball, instead she really allows readers to savor the experience and live out this fairtytale girly experience through the 5 Protectors. The whole ball is described so vividly and reading about it just felt so magical and enchanting. I for one, appreciated the fact that, not only were the girls’ emotions, nerves, and excitement over the ball described, but so were their fabulous dresses! I’m not terribly girly, but I enjoyed being able to squee over the ball gowns.

The rest of the book, especially the ending, is fast paced and action packed. I love the way Dooling writes her fight scenes with such a gritty, explosive realism. I could almost feel every punch or smell every rancid fugly. And I doubly love how kick-ass our 5 female Protectors continue to be!

There are quite a few unexpected twists and turns that left me breathless. The final battle at the end is electrifyingly intense and heart stopping! The ending really closed one chapter in the series, while setting up a whole new chapter for the rest of the series.

CHARACTERS

The characters, especially the 5 Protectors, really grew emotionally throughout this book and I really felt like I got to know them on such a deep, intimate level.

Avery really goes through an emotional journey and transformation in Book 3. She really becomes the strong, capable leader that she was always meant to be, but getting there proves to be a heart-aching struggle. Her personal growth, realizations and acceptance was something I found very compelling and easy to connect with.

Jade is such a multi-layered character, and we really get to see that in this book. She has to step out of her comfort zone and in doing so she really allows her vulnerability and softer side to shine through. Jade also continues to provide some of the most humorous moments in this series with her sharp wit and sarcasm.

The other three Protectors have their shining moments as well, and I loved getting to know them a bit better as well. What I was really captivated by was the ever growing and changing dynamic between all five girls.

ROMANCE

Aww, romance! The romance in this book is deliciously complicated. Avery and King Draven continue to get close, but when a secret is revealed, Avery is left heartbroken and angry. I love the moments between these two because their chemistry is so palpable and the heartache they both experience just jumps off the page.

The romance between Jade and Prince Eryk continues to intrigue and frustrate me, simply because we don’t get to see enough of what goes on between the two. But you can just feel the way that this relationship is building up to something big…whether this something big is going to be good or bad, I’m not sure. But I do know it’s going to be awesome!

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I can’t express how much I LOVE this series and this book. Beginning’s End is a phenomenal addition to a wonderfully written, fantastically fascinating series. This is another MUST read by P.M. Dooling!

Awesome, awesome, and more awesome. Haha, I'm half joking. I don't know, I'm a lot of things! Go ask Avery, I'm sure she's got some pretty choice words she could use to describe me...and how awesome I am!

Q. If you had a theme song, what would it be?

Now this question I like! We can talk about music all day! The hard part is gonna be picking just one theme song. I'll tell you what, I'll narrow it down to two and that's as good as it's gonna get. Hurt by Johnny Cash, well it's actually by Nine Inch Nails, but I'm going with the Cash cover, and then Uprising by Muse. Those two songs are a pretty good representation of my personality and life right now...and then tomorrow I'll pick two completely different songs. Life and theme songs are all about change.

Q. Pretend your life’s story has been turned into a movie, what is it called?

I think we could get away with just calling it "Jade". I'm sure people would go see it if they knew what was good for them.

Q. What’s the one thing you miss most about Earth? The one thing you love best about Orcatia?

Tacos! I miss tacos! You can't find a damn taco anywhere on Orcatia, it should be a crime! I would literally kill an entire army of trolls for just one really good taco. Actually, it doesn't even have to be that good. This also goes along with what I love best about Orcatia...I get to kill trolls, enough said.

Q. What’s your deepest fear and your most precious wish/dream?

No, offense, but we really don't know each other well enough for me to be pouring my heart out about my most deepest fears and precious dreams. Hell, I don't even really talk to Avery about that stuff, unless, you know, she keeps nagging and nagging me about it...which she does...a lot! Look, all joking aside, my life has it's fill of pretty incredible moments and pretty crappy moments and if I stayed too long dwelling on one I wouldn't be prepared for the other one, so I don't talk about things like fears and dreams, but I give you points for trying.

Teaser Tuesdays...is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"But maybe we would have stayed in contact. Maybe we'd even be together now. Or maybe I would have lost interest. Am I only fixated on Cricket because of our traumatic history? Because he was my first crush? Or does something about him transcend that?"

MUSING MONDAYS…is a weekly event hosted by Should Be Reading where MizBwill ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

Would you say that you read about the same amount now as when you were younger? More? Less? Why?

I'd say I probably read the same or maybe a little less than I did when I was younger. I read ALL the time as a kid and teenager. I was the kind of teen who stayed in on the weekends and read instead of going out and partying...which, well I still do that. The one thing that hasn't changed, is the type of books I read. I still prefer my YA books ;)

Dark Fate, book 2 in the Protectors Saga continues where The Protectors left off, with Avery and Jade on their way to secure the Fairies aid in battling the Emperor. Complicating matters is the undeniable, but forbidden attraction Jade feels towards the Fairy Prince Eryk, forcing Avery to not only contend with her growing responsibilities as leader, but also the strain of trying to keep her best friend and second in command from doing something that could place all of Orcatia at risk. With her own feelings deepening for the irresistible, but difficult King Draven, Avery must find a way to push aside her ever confusing emotions so that she can lead her fellow Protectors into the most dangerous battle they have yet to enter…the battle of Blackmore

THREE WORDS: Action-Packed. Funny. Fantastical

MY “I JUST FINISHED THIS BOOK” REACTION: *squee* What a tantalizing ending. I think it would be impossible for me not to read the next book. I simply must know what happens next!

MY REVIEW: P.M. Dooling has once again enchanted, enthralled and engaged me in her fantasy world. Dark Fate, the second book in The Protectors Saga, is a fast paced, cleverly written read that packs a three fisted punch full of fantasy, action, and romance.

SUMMARY

In Dark Fate we find our five brave Protectors still fighting to save their new home, Orcatia, and trying to come up with a battle plan to defeat the Emperor. Avery and Jade take a short trip in order to seek the aide of the Fairies, and while there Jade must confront a love she doesn’t remember experiencing, which results in a strain in the girls’ friendship. Avery must deal with her own romantic woes as her feelings for Draven continue to confuse and frustrate her. Upon learning that the nearby town of Blackmore is in dire peril against the Emperor’s army, the Protectors head there only to offer a bit of hope and reassurance, but end up locked in a deadly battle they weren’t expecting.

THE STORY

Dooling’s world within this book, and the series, is one that is easy to fall into and want to stay in. The fantasy elements in this book are imaginative; original; and fun to read about it, the action elements are thrilling; vivid; and spellbinding, while the emotional aspects are realistic; deep; and expertly crafted.

My awe and fascination for the world Dooling has created grew and evolved, as much as the world itself, in this second book. Dooling has continued to build her much layered and well developed world, creating a freshness and newness that doesn’t necessarily rely on the first book. I really liked that this book, as a second book in a series, didn’t feel repetitive. Yet, at the same time, all the new elements and characters didn’t overwhelm me nor did they take away from all the things I loved in the first book.

This book moves at a faster pace than the first one, and there is a lot of action, especially in the last few chapters. Dooling’s battle scenes are intense, realistic, and often left me breathless. I really enjoyed these scenes and I loved how descriptive and vivid these scenes are. The realistic violence and palpable emotions give this book an exciting edginess that I really liked and appreciated.

CHARACTERS

We really get to know the characters better in this book, especially the five protectors. All the things I loved about them from the first book are still there, but they grow and mature a great deal in this book. The characters are even more realistic, relatable, and well developed than they were in the first book, and I still really want to hang out with and be BFF’s with these girls!

What I really love is that we get to see some unexpected and surprising sides of these five girls. Avery continues to struggle with her role as the leader, but her confidence and focus really blossom throughout this book. We get to see a more conflicted, softer side of Jade, which was nice. I like how complex a character Jade is. But the most intriguing character in this book was definitely Bunny! Bunny’s transformation, or perhaps her honest unveiling, is completely compelling and gripping. My only complaint is that there wasn’t more Sasha and Skylar character development. Not that they aren’t well developed characters, because they are. I’d just really like to get to know them better on a deeper level and I’m hoping their characters are explored more in future books.

The friendship between Avery and Jade continues to be a touching and realistic one. I like that Dooling isn’t afraid to add some conflict and tension into this relationship. For me, this friendship gives the book a lot of heart.

ROMANCE

The complicated, but completely addictive romance between Avery and Draven continues to intensify in this second book. This romance, which is really the first real romance experienced by this young woman, is written with a great deal of care, thoughtfulness and sensitivity. I just loved every scene and moment between these two characters. The spark between the two simply jumps off the page. Yet, as much as I love Avery/Draven, I’m also intrigued by Pip’s feelings for Avery and wouldn’t mind seeing this possible romance explored…I smell a delicious love triangle ;)

We don’t get to see much interaction between Jade and Eryk (I’m pretty sure there will be more of this in the next book), but the small bit that we do get has left me craving more! Eryk’s appearance has really thrown Jade for a loop and has brought out some new layers to her character.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: My love for the Protectors Saga has only grown with this second book. Dark Fate is a wonderfully crafted and executed fantasy, with a captivating story and compelling characters. This is book, and this series, is an absolute MUST read!

Hmmm, this is kind of a hard question. It's difficult to describe yourself, especially in just three words, but if I had to I would say that I think I'm loyal, I think I'm compassionate, and I think I'm...unique. Although, if you asked Jade, I'm sure she'd add annoying and bossy to the list of words used to describe me, but I think I'll stick with mine :)

Q. If you had a theme song, what would it be?

There's this song called Runaway by Thriving Ivory, who I love, and ever since I've come to Orcatia I feel really connected to the song. To me, it's sorta about finding something to call home no matter where you are.

Q. Pretend your life’s story has been turned into a movie, what is it called?

Most of the time I feel like Alice in a very dangerous and messed up Wonderland, so I think my movie should definitely be called something like, "Avery in Madland" or "Avery's Freaktastic Journey". Yeah, I think both of those could work just fine.

Q. What’s the one thing you miss most about Earth? The one thing you love best about Orcatia?

There's so many things that I miss about Earth that it's hard to know where to begin. It may sound stupid, but I think I miss school most of all, and believe me I never thought I would ever say that. I guess I just miss feeling normal. Now, what do I love best about Orcatia? Ugh, I really don't want to say it because it brings up so many mixed emotions, but honestly...it's Draven. It'll always be Draven. Just don't tell him or Jade that I said that.

Q. What’s your deepest fear and your most precious wish/dream?

My deepest fear is easy. I'm scared to death that I'm not gonna be able to protect the people I love. Given the world I live in and what my job it, it's a very real fear and one that I live with every day. My most precious wish/dream is also pretty easy for me to answer. I just want more than anything to be a normal girl with a normal life. Of course, I don't see that happening anytime in the near future, so my wish for the moment is that I can get through one whole training session without having to listen to Jade and Gumptin bicker like an old married couple...that really would be a dream

This was my first month participating in R.A.K and I had a great experience!

What I Received

I received 2 R.A.K gifts this month.

Both Ishita over at The Reading Fish and Amber over at The Musings of Almybnenr sent me a lovely paperback copy of Tera Lynn Childs' Forgive My Fins! How awesome is it that they both sent me the SAME book?! So flippin awesome! Seriously, I'm the type of person who loves having multipe copies of books, that way I can keep one at home and one in my purse for on the run reading.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Special Someone Saturday...is a weekly Saturday meme hosted by Fishy over at The Reading Fish that gives readers a chance to gush about all the awesome book guys and gals they met that week!You can participate too! Here are all the details from Miss Fishy:~You can join me and gush over amazing people on your blogs :D~ We can make this a follow blog hop, so people can jump post to post and visit your amazing blog!~And lastly add the button (above) if you would like ! Or you can make your own !

Q. If you could go on a Date with any character, girl or guy- it could be a girls night out or a romantic date if you want...who would you want to hang out with? And what would you do?

Oh boy, this is a good question! There are so many characters, guys and gals, that I'd just love to go out on a date with, but if I had to pick one I'd go with......

Hermione Granger! heehee, that probably comes at no surprise to anyone uh? 'Mione is not only my most favorite character EVER, she's also the character I have the BIGGEST crush on! I mean c'mon, she's smart, brave, loyal, and BEAUTIFUL! I'd love to take Hermione to a quiet intimate dinner, then to a bookstore or art show. We could spend our night discussing books, wizarding affairs, SPEW, etc. And of course I'd love to see her do some magic...or we could make some magic of our own ;)

Feature and Follow Friday...is a blog hop, hosted byParajunkeeand Alison Can Read, that allows book bloggers to discover and connect with other book bloggers.

This week's featured blogs are:

Q. If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?

Oh I'd definitely want to have dinner with my girl Hermione Granger! I have a massive crush on 'Mione and I'd love to take her to a romantic dinner...however, she is with Ron and I wouldn't want to mess that up ;)...so, instead I think I'd plan a fun dinner. She grew up with two dentists as parents and probably didn't get to eat too many sweets, so I think a dessert first kind of dinner would be in order. Lot's and lot's of yummy sweets: Butterbeer, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizbees, Cauldron Cakes, Pumpkin Pasties, treacle tart, custard tart.

And of course, we'd spend our time discussing our favorite books, SPEW, wizarding history, and the pro's and con's of dating Ron Weasley...and of course, I wouldn't try to add more cons to that list ;)

Thirty years have passed since the clan’s flight from Tesmar, their beloved gryphon city. Three decades spent searching for safer shores, a place to repopulate and for some, to bury the truth of an age-old prophecy.Until now.Ava always knew she was different, from her pale plumage to her silver eyes, but being a Trueblood—a giphen who can use all forms of magic—takes ‘special’ to a whole new level. With overprotective elders and the enemy advancing from the north, Ava struggles to balance her time on and off the battlefield.But when numerous attempts are made on her life—an attack on the clan, a rift storm and a mage controlling the minds of her friends from afar—Ava fears there’s another just like her, weakened and magic starved, who’ll stop at nothing to use her powers as his own. She’ll have to hone her skills and exhaust her reserves close to death if she’s to go against him, even if it means forming a dangerous alliance with her enemy

THREE WORDS:Original. Fantastical. Spellbinding

MY REVIEW:I was very excited that E.S Lark asked me to review Trueblood’s Plight because I loved her novel The Waking Grove so much and I knew to expect great things. And my expectations were definitely met. Trueblood’s Plight is a fantastical, intricately and well developed novel about a lesser known fantasy being- the gryphon.

SUMMARY

Ava, a giphen (smaller than a gryphon), lives with her clan and under the watchful eye of the elders, works has a nightwing. When Ava learns of a threat to her clan, in the form of their enemy the Endarkened and the kar’itsai that work for them, she must go against the elders in order to save her people. She soon discovers that she is a Trueblood, a giphen capable of great power, a power that their enemies may be after. With help from her human friends, fellow giphens and gryphons, and an unlikely ally, Ava must go to dangerous and dizzying lengths to ensure the safety and legacy of her clan.

THE STORY

With Trueblood’s Plight, Lark has created a truly fantastical and original story. There are not many gryphon stories out there, but Lark has proven why there should be and she has definitely made her mark and staked her claim on the genre. But this story possesses more than just well developed fantasy; it also has a great deal of character driven emotion and heart.

The actual fantasy elements are really imaginative and intriguing. The magical abilities of the giphens, gryphons, and their enemies-from the way they can read thoughts to the illusions they can create- are captivating to read about. And Lark writes with such descriptive vividness that the story easily played out in my mind and I could picture every feather, every beak-smile, or every etch upon a door.

The world Lark creates is more than just original and imaginative; it’s also very well developed. The intricacies and complexities of the gryphon/giphon history, politics, and society are crafted and weaved throughout the story beautifully. This is a very complete world that I found myself completely immersed and engrossed in. Although, there were a few times where I found myself a bit confused because there was so much going on and so much information being given, and I simply had to reread a few pages or paragraphs. But this didn’t distract me enough to take away from the book as a whole.

The book did start out a bit slow, but the pacing and story picked up quickly. The last quarter of the book was especially fast paced and left me quickly turning pages and breathless. Ava’s journey was equal parts action and emotion, which I really liked. The fantasy is spellbinding, the emotional aspects add a sense of realism, while the twists and turns action adds a thrilling excitement.

CHARACTERS

Lark has done a great job of creating really likable and compelling characters. Ava is fierce, independent, and brave but her insecurities and doubts make her a layered character. She makes for an easy to root for protagonist, and I found myself quite attached to her and her journey. The friendship between Ava and her human friend Kivra, was a touching one, and a much needed relationship to balance out all the commander-underling relationships in the book. I really liked that Kivra was also a capable, strong female character.

The giphen/gryphon elders were characters that I didn’t always like, but I was always intrigued by them and wanted to know more about them. The antagonists exude a perfect mix of mystery, charisma, and surprise.

ROMANCE

The romantic aspects definitely do not dominate this story, but they are definitely important. I won’t spoil anything for you by revealing the individual romantic relationships, but I will say that these relationships were written and created with a great deal of care and thought. The romance progresses organically and quite beautifully, and add a lot of heart to the book.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS:Lark has once again proved her genuine and impressive ability to create captivating fantasy. Trueblood’s Plight is a wonderfully imaginative, original, and enchanting novel. You’ll be intrigued by the story and touched by the characters. This is one book you should definitely read!

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Welcome

Welcome to my little square on the disco dance floor of life! It's good to have you here. Come in and dance a little boogie, shake your little booty, and get ready to talk books! My name is Aeicha and I'm a proud Supernatural and Harry Potter fangirl, and my literary soulmate is Lauren Myracle. Please email, tweet, or Facebook me (visit my Contact Me page to learn how) with any questions, thoughts, concerns, rambles, delicious cupcake, recipes.If you have a book you'd like me to review please visit my Review Policy page to learn more. I'm always interested in participating in blog tours, hosting giveaways, or conducting author and/or character interviews.

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My Rating System

Five Cupcakes:

I absolutely loved this book! It's the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the squirrel's nuts. It's the double chocolate, frosting smothered, sprinkle covered homemade cupcake on top of the cupcake tower that you crave. You MUST read this book.

Four Cupcakes:

This book is awesome! It's the pretty store bought cupcake that's almost as good as your mom's. You really should read this book.

Three Cupcakes:

This book is very good! It's the cupcake you don't mind eating, but it isn't your favorite. Read it if you have the chance.

Two Cupcakes:

This book failed to impress me. If I were on a plane and had to choose between reading this book and listening to the person next to me talk about their spoon collection, I'd go with the spoons. This is more of a bran muffin than a cupcake. Read it if you want.

One Cupcake:

No amount of frosting or sprinkles could save this cupcake. I don't recommend reading this book.